Entertainment- ICT

Console/ Laptop Disadvantages 

Console/ Laptop Advantages

Games Consoles

Features:  High resolution output for HD games CD, DVD, Blu-ray optical drives Connectivity: USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet network cable Multi-player gaming

Peripherals:  Wireless controllers - control games from up to 30 feet away Wireless headsets - chat to other console users online Hard drive transfer cable - transfer games and movies to external HDD Webcam/ speaker/ mic set - video chats with other users online Motion sensors - hands- free gaming HD - for HD gaming eg HD TV and HDMI cable

Hands-Free and Wireless Gaming 

Examples: Nintendo Wii and Playstation: users hold motion sensor with buttons for games control  XBOX Kinect give real hands-free gaming: using a laser and infrared camera builds up a picture of room and works out whats a person and whats furniture- identifies moving body parts

Choosing a laptop:  Features: what device includes e.g. LCD flatscreen, webcam Function: what device's features can do: connect to network/ internet, watch HD video, play Hi-Fi quality sound Hard Disk Drive (HDD) size: lots of storage space for images, video etc.  Performance: processor speed and RAM size Future Proofing Upgradability: to play games that need faster processor etc. Its cheaper to upgrade than get a new device Support: help setting up/ using/ repairing devices- see what companies offer best support

Disposal of old devices Devices need careful disposal  Many e.g. TVs and laptops, contain materials that are harmful to the environment and classed as hazardous waste Waste disposal site OR Donate to organisation which recycles computer equipment but donating to other users

Being Safe/ Efficient Delete all files on hard drive that might contain private/ personal information e.g. names and passwords Uninstall any software packages that are planned to be re-installed on new computer: not breaching licensing agreement Most efficient method= reformatting the hard disk drive

Downloading: Avoid peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing sites- infringe copyright of original producers Avoid free sites- all reputable legal sites will charge (yearly subscription/ each file downloaded) Check download conditions in small print- may only be able to watch on device it was downloaded to and cannot copy to DVD etc. May contain Digital Management Software to prevent this Use reputable websites- such as media producers (record companies, the musicians, studios like Warner Bros and companies like iTtunes) Check site reliability- through forums and blogs Using only legal sites ensures good quality files and no virus/ spyware risk

Video Streaming:  Users need player: program that uncompresses data Watch live TV/ listen to global radio on laptop  On-demand streaming- listen or watch whenever and pause and rewind Most are made by television companies and are free, some have small charges

Streaming: content sent in compressed form over Internet and displayed by the viewer in real-time- When streaming, user doesn't need to wait for file to download, media is sent in continuous stream of data and played as it arrives

Streaming vs Downloading Streaming:  Internet needed for whole process Buffering in order to store some data in case of delays in data arrival  Downloading:  Entire file downloaded onto computer May have to pay May download a virus  Can't be shared or watched on any device Can't watch it immediately 

Symptoms of Computer Addiction Spend nearly all free time on computer When sad or with a problem, user escapes into a computer game Not keeping up with homework- falling grades Lying about how much time spent on computer Rather play games than spend time with family/ friends Given up other hobbies/ interests Irritated/ Agitated when not playing games 

Computer addiction can lead to:  Eye strain  Muscle/ joint problems  Overuse injuries e.g. RSI Lack of exercise- obesity Poor diet- Weight loss/ gain

Choosing a Device

Responsibilities

Downloads And Streaming

Health and Safety

Devices